Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Yamada Building, 1869

Photographed by Denise Boose, August 7, 2016

1. Yamada Building 1869 Marker

Inscription. Although this building was not originally built by or used by Oriental tenants, its has found its home in the Asian community due to a succession of Japanese owners beginning in 1920. Under various proprietors, the structure was used primarily as a theatre and billard hall. The building gets its name from Frank Yamada who operated Frank's Place, a billiard hall, beginning in 1950.

Erected by Gaslamp Quarter Association, Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation, San Diego Historical Society. (Marker Number 61.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.

Location. 32° 42.641′ N, 117° 9.624′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in the Gaslamp Quarter. It is on 5th Ave, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 516 5th Ave, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Callan Hotel 1878 (a few steps from this marker); The Lincoln Hotel 1913 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lewis Brick Block

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(within shouting distance of this marker); William Heath Davis House, 1850 (within shouting distance of this marker); Higgins-Begole Building, 1873 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lowenstein Building, 1887 (within shouting distance of this marker); Chinese Laundry, 1923 (within shouting distance of this marker); Montijo Building 1881 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Photographed by Denise Boose, August 7, 2016

2. Yamada Building 1869 Marker

Photographed by Denise Boose, August 7, 2016

3. Yamada Building 1869 Marker

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

4. Yamada Building, 1869 Marker

Backdrop photo of the marker facing Fifth St.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2017, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 604 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 29, 2017, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 4. submitted on July 17, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.